The Caol Ila Distillery was founded in 1846 by Hector Handerson on the Isle of Islay, in a location overlooking the strait between Islay and Jura, hence the name which derived from Gaeliec Caol Ìle, meaning Sound of Islay or literary, Islay Strait. Over the years Caol Ila has changed owners numerious times, eventually it became part of Diageo.

Caol Ila 12 Year Old is a malt that takes you back to the coastal shores it comes from. Hailing from Islay, this is a smoky and sweet expression, a classic combination that Caol Ila 12 nails perfectly. There is also the slightest hint of herbs and spices from nose to finish, adding a smooth complexity that piques the interest of the taste buds in just the right way. Don’t be fooled into thinking this is just like every other smoked Islay malt. The Caol Ila 12 Year Old has a lot more to offer than just peat.

Grassy, sweet notes in the aroma, alongside the smoke and peat. Not all that smooth - the bite of it is a little overwhelming and distracts from the flavor. If comparing to its Islay brethren, this reminds me more of an Ardbeg 10 than a Lagavulin 16. It's light and refreshing, but not very complex.

Andrej,
Feb 2, 2018

Good price performance! But overall the taste is not ballanced.

Jedediah,
Feb 1, 2018

Way to smoky for me. If you like a smoky drink though this one is for you.

Thaine,
Jan 22, 2018

Excellent. Smoky, yet refreshing. A new favorite.

Danny,
Jan 20, 2018

Love the superficial notes of peat and smoke. Was surprised I picked up on the cinnamon. Delicious.

Steve,
Jan 14, 2018

Strong peat taste

Gordon,
Jan 9, 2018

I found it a bit too harsh & extremely peaty. I had to add a drop of water to make it palatable. (I do not like mixing malt) I compareed it with an Arran peated, Machrie Moor. This I found was perfect.

Herbert,
Jan 1, 2018

great aroma

anonymous,
Dec 31, 2017

X

Harrison,
Dec 29, 2017

Light, bit peaty but not too bad

Daniel,
Dec 27, 2017

At first whif, floral notes but they discipate quick, releasing the smoke and peat. The same for the palate; first hits the floral with a medium strength, about 10 seconds later (rough guestimate) the smokey peat rolls in. I sense some caramel at the end which is a great combination to add with the smokey peat. At second thought, the reason why i gave this Caol such a high rating is because it is actually and nice change of combination to have the floral mixed with smokey peaty caramel. It helps you appreciate the peaty type scotch so much more.

Tristan,
Dec 4, 2017

Pale gold. Fruity nose with delicate smoke notes and a touch of petrol. The notes on the palate (smoke, wood, herbs, and spice) are soft and not really accentuated. I feel it does better with a couple drops of water or on ice. Not as great as I was hoping it to be, but still enjoyable.

simon,
Nov 22, 2017

What a lovely whiskey with plenty of character.

anonymous,
Nov 11, 2017

Very smoothy. Probably much more than any other I've tasted so far. Liked a lot though, perhaps it's spirits are absolutely complex.

Jonathan,
Nov 5, 2017

Did not enjoy at all. Not much else to say.

anonymous,
Sep 1, 2017

Good, just not a favourite. Bit bitey.

James,
Aug 10, 2017

A good dram sweetly smoked and peaty.

anonymous,
Aug 3, 2017

Heavy smoke, peated, Peppery

anonymous,
Jul 29, 2017

This is a more softer whisky untill the smokey touch comes. Then it changes to a more strong and smokey whisky. The aftertaste is quite short but slightly bitter. Nice whisky, very accessable.

Johann,
Jul 21, 2017

Really oily (too oily for my taste) and very smokey. It's probably the Sledgehammer of the #peaty Whiskys.

Definite notes of sweet and peaty. I prefer more cinnamon but I am enjoying it.

anonymous,
Mar 22, 2017

Manque un peu de relief

anonymous,
Mar 14, 2017

It has a smoky, spicy taste. Not too peaty. Almost like a Glen Livet

Alex,
Mar 5, 2017

The peat flavor is extremely strong, basically overwhelming the other flavors, ruining the experience.

Will,
Mar 2, 2017

nice

Eric,
Feb 27, 2017

Caol Ila 12 Year Old is now one of my favorite Islays. Very smooth, great peat, and an amazing smokiness. To me, this is very subtle, yet complex enough to be interesting. Wonderful. I immediately purchased a bottle.

Michael,
Feb 27, 2017

An excellent smokey and peaty Islay. Definitely will buy again.

Mel,
Feb 9, 2017

Nose of vanilla and delicious peat. Light mouthfeel with medium finish. Very drinkable for beginners to Islay Scotch.

Stephen,
Jan 28, 2017

I wasn't impressed. There wasn't anything that really stood out. The oiliness was there, as well as the peat, but nothing to really stand out from the other scotches.

Eric,
Jan 23, 2017

Caol Ila 12 Year Old is one of my favorite single malts. I prefer smoky/peaty/spicy whiskys and this one has an added bonus of being a little stronger than usual.

Craig,
Dec 31, 2016

Wonderful salty smell with a peat rush. One of my favourite Islay malts

Ben,
Dec 4, 2016

If you want smokey and peaty- this is top shelf!

anonymous,
Nov 8, 2016

Spicy, and nice amount of smoke

anonymous,
Oct 27, 2016

Delicious, so much value for money. I love all of Islay and the first glass of CI 12 isn't different. Not as smoky and peaty as I remembering Ardbeg 10 and Laphroaig 10, it's in the middle of those and Lagavulin 16 and Bunna 12. I must say that Caol has more to it and to me it's a 'younger Lagavulin'. The balance makes this whisky superb and therefore for the relative cheap price a 9!

anonymous,
Sep 1, 2016

Not quite as smoky as Laphroaig, but similar in flavor without being quite as harsh on the front end.

anonymous,
Aug 13, 2016

Mm mm, so good!

Chris,
Aug 11, 2016

I thought the oil, peat and phenols were a bit overpowering in this whiskey.